Fancy making a truly autumnal cocktail this October? The Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini has become a signature cocktail recipe of mine and one to bring out each year! A delicious seasonal twist on everyone's favourite Espresso Martini. Read on PSL fans and find out how to make it!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini

What is a Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini?

So what is a Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini anyway? Well, if like me you're a big fan of the classic Espresso Martini and also a lover of the autumn months, this one's for you! The Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini is the perfect combination of everyone's favourite coffee-based cocktail and the eagerly anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte that gets released in most coffee shops each year.

I crave the spicy, warm flavours of pumpkin spice every autumn and I'm also partial to a creamy cocktail (hello White Russians!) so the Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini really is the ideal cocktail for this time of year.

I actually first had a PSL Martini at a local cocktail bar and loved it so much, I decided to create my own. This recipe has been honed through a little trial and error and features an easy to make cheat's pumpkin spice syrup. Let's get shakin'!

The Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini

It's likely you'll have everything you need to make the PSL Martini already at hand if you've got a well-stocked home bar. The key element of the recipe is of course, the pumpkin spice syrup. You can find ready-made versions of this in shops - but if you can't get your mitts on any, I have an easy-peasy version you can make below. There are lots of recipes for pumpkin spice syrup out there but to be honest, most require complicated ingredients and real pumpkin puree - my cheat's version does not, but still packs all of that warm spicy flavour.

Here's what you'll need to make two Pumpkin Spice Latte Martinis - halve the recipe if you just want one.

Ingredients (makes 2 Martinis)

  • 100ml (2 double shots) vodka
  • 50ml (1 double shot) coffee liqueur (Kahlúa is my go-to)
  • 50ml (1 double shot) strong coffee/espresso (equal parts ground coffee and water if you're making in a cafetière - but instant will do if that's all you have), cooled
  • 50ml (1 double shot) milk
  • 50ml (1 double shot) single cream
  • 25ml (1 single shot) pumpkin spice syrup (see below if you need to make some)
  • Ice cubes
  • Sugar, cinnamon and coffee beans to garnish (optional)

 

Cheat's Pumpkin Spice Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 180ml (3/4 cup) water
  • 150g (3/4 cup) of sugar (light brown is best but any will do!)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/2 tsp all spice
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

 

Method: Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Add all ingredients to a small thick-bottomed pan and bring to the boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat a little and simmer. Simmering for 5-10 minutes should be enough to see the mixture thicken a little. Make sure you stir it regularly. Let it cool completely and set aside. The above recipe makes more than you'll need for your Pumpkin Spice Latte Martinis so keep the rest in a container and you can use it for further rounds of cocktails - or you can add it to your usual coffee or drizzle over pancakes!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini

Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini Recipe

Method: Pumpkin Spice Martinis

Before we start, there's a few things you'll need to create your martinis. Most importantly, you'll need a cocktail shaker - my preference is always a classic Boston Shaker but whatever floats your boat is fine! With your shaker, you'll also need an accompanying strainer and sieve. Make sure you've got plenty of ice in the freezer too and your pumpkin spice syrup at the ready. Let's go!

1. We'll start with the optional step. If you want to get extra fancy for serving, you can create a cinnamon sugar rim decoration for your martini glasses. Use two shallow dishes or plates (pasta bowls work well) and in one, add some sugar and a little cinnamon and mix well. In the other, add a tiny bit of water to cover the base of the bowl. Dip your glasses in the water then immediately into the cinnamon sugar and twist to ensure the rim is well covered in the sugar mixture.

2. In your Boston glass or shaker, add the vodka, coffee liqueur and pumpkin spice syrup.

3. Follow with your (cooled) coffee, milk and cream.

4. Fill the rest of the glass right to the top with ice cubes.

5. Get shakin'! Shake hard until your shaker becomes cold to the touch. A good shake ensures you'll get that foamy top on your cocktail.

6. Add your strainer and double up by using a cocktail sieve before pouring into martini glasses.

7. Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon and a few coffee beans if you have some.

 

Voila! Enjoy and make sure you tag us in any photos of your Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini creations!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini